Hot Dogs, Live Music… even some Tennis! Must be the US Open
Updated: 24 hours ago
Four Grand Slam social events for 2026 – four days of perfect weather. The Grand Slam Gods certainly looked after us this year.
On Saturday, 12 September, we conducted our final Grand Slam Social for 2026, celebrating the US Open. "DJ Trump" was there, along with a contingent of MAGA cult members, to see Collaroy actually make all things American, great again. The great ‘Andre Agassi’ also made a special guest appearance.
'DJ Trump' and 'Andre Agassi' turned up
There were Hot Dogs with Ketchup and American Mustard… an All American playlist leading into a Live Performance by The Soul Tides (led by new committee member Fran)… special US Open beverages prepared by Anna and Michela wearing sparkling attire… and of course, some wonderful tennis on every court.
There wasn’t a single assassination attempt, and our Immigration and Customs Enforcement team only had to check the credentials of one suspect interloper, most recently from the Port Macquarie region. However, with Warren able to prove he is now moving back to God’s Own Country, no deportations were made.
Our own newly elected President, John Hurst, gave a rousing speech stating: “It only cost me 6 bottles of French Rose for the Presidency of this big, beautiful club that puts Mar-a-Lago to shame. And already I have plans for a clubhouse expansion that include gold gilding and other decorative elements, creating a symbol of our Club’s status and authority… and of course, we’ll be adding a luxury ballroom for formal events, with a higher seating capacity than we’ve ever had. You’ll never see anything like it! (I was considering adding a Reflecting Pool too, but do have some concerns about possible vandalism.)”
This event proved to be our most popular ever Grand Slam Social, with over 60 expressions of interest received. In the end, several of those on the Waiting List were able to be catered for as we fine-tuned our final field to 48 players.
Volunteers again dressed the Club in flags and bunting – the Stars and Stripes proudly and prominently placed. Others prepared a range of delicacies that were eagerly devoured throughout the day (thank you Team). Once the gates were opened, a swarm of red, white and blue-clad competitors (plus Richard and Yoness!) stormed the venue.
The all-American soundtrack (including Frank Turner’s ‘Love Forty Down’ by special Presidential request) played over the sound system throughout the day. Amazing to hear Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly and Elvis ring out over every court, creating a party vibe that flowed throughout the precinct. Those early rockers later shared air-time with The Beach Boys, Creedence and of course, The Boss singing ‘Born in the USA’.
Fran’s band, The Soul Tides, bravely embodied that old entertainment industry slogan ‘The Show Must Go On’. Illness fully halved the band’s usual line-up, with even their lead singer unable to appear. But the remaining band members soldiered on and gave us a terrific performance that had club members singing along to songs they know and love. Thank you Fran for engaging the band and for such a stoic effort.
On court, the tennis matched the sparkling weather. Several courts were fiercely contested, notably Court 1 where two players tied for first and two more for runners up! Congratulations to Anna C., dressed spectacularly in full star-spangled ensemble, who amazingly has now collected her 5th Collaroy Grand Slam title! (Only 19 to go to catch The Joker!) A full run down of individual court winners and runners up reads as follows:
Court 1: Anna C. and Ash (Tied Winners), Lionel (aka Agassi) and Mark W. (Tied Runners/Up)
Court 2: Geoff A. (aka ‘Donald T.’) and Chris G. (Tied Winners), James (R/Up)
Court 3: Wil (Winner), Megan (R/Up)
Court 4: Phil (Winner), Deborah (R/Up)
Court 5: Justine (Winner), Ed (R/Up)
Court 6: Dave (Winner), Maryanne (R/Up)
The prizewinners on Court 1 weren’t decided until the final point was won… amazingly close, with Anna keeping one eye on her duties with Michela in the Kitchen and the other on the ever-evolving scorecard. On Court 2, Geoff matched it with Chris G. on the score sheet – a top effort! (The orange hair and bow tie may have to become regular accoutrements Geoff.)
San Francisco 49ers fan Wil dominated the MAGA influence on Court 3, while Phil also controlled Court 4. Court 5 was undoubtedly ‘The Fun Court’ with some terrific rallies interspersed with gales of laughter and good-natured sledging. (At least Anna G. didn’t have to worry about putting up with another winner’s speech from husband Gareth.)
Court 6 featured some wonderful tennis, with Dave’s omnipresent injuries taking the day off and allowing him to play better than he has been. Cecile hit some eye-catching shots and in fact, all the Court 6 ladies (incl. Barbara and Jennifer) played really well… but the surprise packet was Maryanne who brilliantly dealt with her own arm injury and combined well with all her partners to nudge her way into a well-deserved 2nd place.
As always, the ‘Best Dressed’ Awards were hotly contested, but MAGA Megan would not have looked out of place at a Trump rally in Florida and simply had to take one of the prizes. Vito was also a contender, but the Judges decided on our newly elected Club Captain Lionel who, with flowing long blonde hair and denim shorts made a great ‘Andre Agassi’. Special mention to Anna C. who was highly unlucky to miss out (as the photos show).
A huge thanks to Maryanne who, in Kate’s absence, looked after the catering brilliantly. (Kate was at ‘the other’ US Open in New York.) And to Tong Master Glenn who manned the BBQ tirelessly, preparing those delicious New York Hot Dogs to perfection. A special thank you Mr President for providing the delicious 'Buffalo Wings' and the prizes for our Best Dressed. Of course, thanks as always to Wil for the great photos and to everyone (incl. Peter M.), who helped with the clean up at the end of play.
So that’s it for 2026. More photos in the Gallery below. We now go into serious training for the first Grand Slam of the New Year, our very own A.O. See you again when Melbourne Park comes to Collaroy in January!
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